Daughters of Hestia

by Marcella Strang Bixler

In the first book of a thrilling science fiction adventure series, an exiled young woman must risk everything she knows, in order to the save the homeworld that once betrayed her. And the man who should be her greatest enemy is the only one she can trust.

A Secret Mission To Save Her Homeworld

Ten years ago, Vesta fled her repressive homeworld of Hestia to join the Galactic Legion, hoping to find the freedom she’d never known. Instead, she is barely surviving, limited to the lowest rungs of society. Until Legion Command orders her back home for a covert mission, under the authority of the mysterious and compelling Commander Joren. Little does she know, this mission will not only test her physical strength, but also her loyalty and trust towards those in power.

A Man She Thought Was Her Enemy

As Vesta and her crew journey north across Hestia, they encounter hidden secrets in the treacherous mountains. With each step, she finds herself drawn to Commander Joren, a man from the highest echelons of the Republic, raised from birth to defend the powers-that-be. But can she truly trust him, or is he just another pawn in a larger political game?

The Secrets That Could Destroy Them All

As they navigate through danger and betrayal, Vesta must decide whether to let her guard down and form a deep connection with Joren, or to keep her distance and protect both herself and her homeworld from destruction. But the secrets they uncover could determine the fate of not just Hestia, but all of humanity.

If you enjoyed the political intrigue and action-packed adventure of Red Rising, or the dystopian romance of Silver Elite, you will love this thrilling space opera adventure!

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

Marcella Strang Bixler grew up reading science fiction paperbacks and borrowing her mom’s romance novels. Her first love was Han Solo, and she wanted to be Princess Leia. As a result, all of the books she reads (and writes) have to include a fantastic adventure and a good love story.

Marcella now lives with her husband and two daughters in Arcata, California, where she serves her community as a psychotherapist in private practice.

Reviews

[Ja’Laya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Daughters of Hestia! The story pulled me in from the start with its mix of action, political intrigue, and suspense. Vesta’s journey back to her homeworld was thrilling, and her growing dynamic with Commander Joren kept me hooked—there’s just enough tension, mystery, and romance to make it exciting without slowing the pace. I loved the world-building, from the dangerous landscapes of Hestia to the layers of political power, and the secrets they uncovered made every chapter feel important. Overall, it was a fun, fast-paced space opera that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

[Tracy Homen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there is more to come

This was a fun book to read, and I believe the story has the potential to mature and grow in any subsequent editions. I am really intrigued about what happens next

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up the arc after it had been published and then found it was on KU, so I read the finished copy. This needed more polishing before publishing. Throughout the book, I found odd words that don't mean what the author was intending to convey or doubled up text only paragraphs apart.

The first half of Daughters of Hestia was amazing. The world building was rich, characters had depth, and I wanted to keep turning pages.

Then I started the second half of the book. The second half felt like a completely different story written with the same characters. The pacing was out of control. Everything seemed to be happening all at once with every character somehow everywhere all at once. Characters seemed to know more than they should, even when they were miles away, possibly even in space ships.

I really like the premise for this story and want to continue with it. I'm desperately hoping that the second book will have a steadier pace and more careful editing.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Thio Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a cruel decision banished Vesta from her home, she searches the wider universe for her place — usually finding little comfort. When she’s recalled by the Legion, everything changes.

I enjoyed this story, and I don’t want to take too much away from that, but, for the first chunk of the story, I felt like I knew where things were headed — and really loved it. Then, once Vesta was back on Hestia, it turned into something else. It’s still good, but less sharp and original. Less industrial and gritty, more eco-adjacent romance.

Marcella Strang Bixler’s worldbuilding is solid. Without overcommitting, she paints textured scenes, highlighting ingrained cultural biases. The main characters are given some nuance; however, the baddies could stand a little more development. How did they come to be the way they are, to value what they do? The pacing is excellent — every part of the story felt like it was moving toward a specific goal.

If you’re craving a woman-forward, sci-fi romance that lightly explores in-world cultures, I recommend Daughters of Hestia. It’s a fun, creative, and slightly spicy.

Thank you to Books Go Social for the opportunity to read Daughters of Hestia. I was given a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Mary Dallenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was caught up in the story from chapter one. It was so pulled in that I binge-read the entire second half in one sitting.

Both Vest and Joran were wonderful characters. When we first meet Vesta, she keeps to herself. Behavior learned through all she has endured. She has little trust in others and even less in the Galactic Legion. Joran is a Commander in the Legion. Trust for her will be hard in coming. Yet, from their first encounter, he is not what he appears.

I found myself wanting to know more about them. I wanted to see the change in Vesta as she learns more about Joran. And I wanted to see Joran earn her trust and all that comes with that trust. I found myself cheering them on in their mission and their budding feelings for each other.

The pace of the book was fast and kept me turning page after page. If you enjoy fast-paced sci-fi with a little romance and mysticism mixed in, I highly recommend this book.

[Abbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book through Netgalley - I mostly grabbed it because of the title. Hestia is one of the less "famous" Greek gods in the pantheon, but she was my favorite when I was studying it in school.

The first half of the book was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the setup, the worldbuilding, the storyline, and the characters. I was so excited that this debut was going so well.

And then I got to the second half. It was like I was suddenly in a completely different book. Never mind about the science that was discussed and the terraforming plot, we're going to turn it all on its head and become a spicy/romantasy mystical Chosen One witch priestess book.

What. In. The. World.

The only reason it gets as many as two stars is due to the first half of the book being good.

[Shawna Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly Surprised

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It follows Vesta, originally from Hestia, who returns to her home world after ten years when she’s recruited for a covert mission. The core characters are a great mix of personalities, and the descriptions of Hestia feel fitting of a primarily farming community.

The romance is minimal until later in the story and very much a slow burn, which keeps the focus on the plot and worldbuilding. Both are well done, and the scientific elements feel grounded and believable, adding depth to the overall story.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She left her planet to find freedom but she finds herself on the bottom rung on the ship. She is about to have a job to go undercover on her home planet to find things out. She is about to meet a man who is supposed to an enemy but may not be. A great adventure begins
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great story

[Callum Lambart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Hestia is an intense and thrilling space opera that combines action, political intrigue, and romance in a captivating galaxy spanning adventure. Vesta’s journey of trust, courage, and self-discovery keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between Vesta and Commander Joren adds emotional depth to a high stakes, fast-paced story.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went in expecting a fun space opera romp, but instead unveiled a gorgeously rich story of reclaiming home.

Thank you to to NetGalley, Marcella Strang Bixler, and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to experience this novel!

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good space opera story I like politics mixed with action really enjoyed it

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this had potential at the beginning. It just got a bit too weird for me. I didn’t enjoy the slow journey this book took me on.